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Zipper Interactive Outlines SOCOM 4 Pro

SCE's take on Project $10 includes custom maps, features for those who buy new.

SOCOM 4: U.S. Navy SEALs drops tomorrow, and gamers that pick up a fresh copy will immediately become SOCOM Pros. Pick up a used copy down the road, and you'll have to pay $15 to unlock Pro's custom multiplayer goodies in Sony Computer Entertainment's pricier take on EA's Project $10.

Developer Zipper Interactive made the announcement via the official SOCOM 4 blog, describing Pro as a "hush-hush special bonus" for players that buy the game new.

New copies of SOCOM 4 include a one-time use code that will unlock all of Pro's features, including exclusive in-game weapons, the M-16 and the AK-47, dedicated leaderboards, and "various" co-op add-ons. But the main Pro feature is a set of custom multiplayer maps and modes, including:

-- Community Day Classic - Suggested by members of Zipper Community Day 2011, CDC offers a medley of different maps that support 8-vs-8 Classic variations on Suppression, Uplink, Last Defense and Bomb Squad with faster movement and no ranged explosives of any kind

-- Last Defense Run 'n' Gun - Our incredibly fast-paced deviation from our Last Defense gametype that includes speedier player movement, reduced weapon damage, and limitations to sub-machine guns and shotguns only

-- SCRUM - A Suppression mod that offers a Classic rules-inspired list of features that includes no respawn, no Sniper Rifles, no Concussion, Poison Gas, or Frag Grenades, higher damage and faster character movement

In addition, Zipper promises SOCOM Pro will be continually updated with new maps, modes, and features. Used SOCOM 4 buyers that want in can gain Pro access by purchasing it from the PlayStation Store for $15 beginning on April 26.

Sharkey says: I'm not a big fan of EA's Online Pass, which charges used-game buyers $10 to get in on multiplayer modes. SCE's take is more judicious, giving pre-owned players access, but also something extra for those that pay full retail price. Not sure about the $15 price tag, though. What's your take on Pro and the growing trend to entice gamers to buy new over used?